Genesis CMO Amy Marentic describes how the auto brand took a blank canvas approach to raise awareness in a segment dominated by older brands like BMW and Mercedes. She describes how the marketing department sold a campaign pivot internally. Marentic also dishes some advice on experiential marketing, including how the automaker uses its Genesis House in New York City as a brand equity play channeling Korean hospitality. Also, hear how she approaches marketing metrics.

Consumer Reports CMO Khalid El Khatib explains how the independent nonprofit brand's 90-year history of testing products is creating trust amid AI slop and misinformation, reflected in its recent $3 million "We Never Stop Questioning" campaign. He also discusses how the membership-based organization is adapting its strategy to reach audiences across generations—from boomers spending more time online to younger consumers encountering the brand for the first time—and what that shift means for building credibility in a rapidly changing media environment.

Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Jensen is positioning the platform as a "port in the storm" for job seekers navigating a tough market. She discusses how the message is coming to life in a new campaign from McCann NY. Plus, Jensen describes how LinkedIn is changing its tactics as AI and macroeconomic factors reshape the future of work. She also talks about how LinkedIn is attracting new users, including creators and advertisers beyond its typical B2B target audience.

SkyPop CMO Dave Cohen discusses the protein boom on the beverage aisle, and how the brand uses TikTok and audio sampling in their marketing gameplan. He also discusses how the brand, which formerly went by Don't Quit, positions their protein soda as a product for everyone and not just athletes.

Crunch Fitness CMO Chad Waetzig talks about the brand's recent New Year's campaign "Feel More" and how Crunch is promoting itself as a social destination for younger consumers facing post-pandemic loneliness. He also discusses how Crunch is programming around the rise in GLP-1-medication use and helping customers combat "skinny fat."

TV advertising is increasingly leaning on AI as a prominent tool. Viewers saw this during the Super Bowl with some brands making entirely AI-generated ads. Mark Douglas, president and CEO of MNTN, joins Brandon Doerrer on the Marketer's Brief podcast to discuss AI in TV, misconceptions that first-time TV advertisers often have and how MNTN's AI tools have been a benefit for their business. He also offers advice for navigating the changing landscape.

For the past several years, Columbia Sportswear's marketing was indistinguishable from the rest of the category. It wasn't until August last year that it adopted a much bolder strategy, bringing a distinct edge to all of its campaigns. "Engineered for Whatever" painted a different picture of the great outdoors, positioning it as a cruel and deadly mistress, and Columbia products as armor in a battle against death itself. Since then, the brand has brought that edge to a variety of campaigns. Matt Sutton, senior VP and head of marketing at Columbia Sportswear, joined this week's edition of the Marketer's Brief podcast to discuss this work and advise brands interested in making a similarly drastic pivot.